Outside of marking your properties boundaries, your fence is there to keep your kids and pets safe, provide privacy for weekend relaxation, and add serious curb appeal to your home. But when storm damage, age, or general wear and tear start taking their toll, a damaged fence can quickly go from functional to frustrating.

Whether you're dealing with a wobbly panel after the latest storm or timber palings that have seen better days, fence repairs can return your fencing back to its original prime.

Common signs of fence damage

Spotting fence damage early can save you from bigger repair costs down the road. Australia's wild weather patterns can really put your fencing through its paces, so here are some common signs that your fence needs a repair:

• Holes and cracks: Small holes and cracks might not seem like a big deal at first, but they're often the first signs that your fence needs attention. In timber fencing, you'll notice splits along the grain or small holes where knots have fallen out, while metal fencing can develop stress cracks, particularly around joints and connection points
• Wood rot: Timber fencing cops it hard in our climate, and wood rot is one of the most serious issues you'll face. If you’re seeing soft, spongy areas in your timber, or a musty smell – it might be a sign of wood rot
• Rust: Metal fencing can develop rust spots over time
• Loose or broken parts: Loose palings, wobbly posts, or sagging gates are clear indicators that your fence needs some extra care. Broken or damaged hardware is also something to look out for

What are the different fence repair techniques?

The beauty of fence repairs is that they usually won't break the bank, with costs depending on the level of fence damage and the type of fencing you're dealing with. Some common fence repair tactics include:

• Filler or patches: Patching and filling can be done to fix small holes and cracks in both timber and metal fencing
• Replacing the posts: Your fencing posts will need to be replaced when they’re no longer stable due to rot or corrosion. Having a pro come in to do this will ensure that the alignment and spacing between posts is perfect the first-time round
• Replacing the panels: This is needed when damage is extensive or when using filler or patches would compromise the fence's appearance or function
• Re-tensioning: This is the process of tightening loose parts of the fence, adjusting your fence’s hardware or adding additional support brackets
• Protective coating: Your fence repairer can also repaint your fence with protective coating to seal it against moisture and prevent rust, lengthening its lifespan

How to maintain your fence and preventing future repairs

A bit of regular maintenance can keep your fence looking good and functioning properly for years to come. Some things we recommend doing include:

• Hosing down your fence every quarter to get rid of dirt buildup
• Cutting down any overgrown plants, vines and lawn away from your fence line, as the moisture plants hold can trigger fence rot
• Oil your fence annually to prevent staining

Why is it important to hire a fence repair professional?

While some fence maintenance can be a weekend DIY job, proper repairs often require skills, tools, and knowledge that most homeowners don't have.

Some fence repairs involve the use of power tools that can be dangerous to handle if you don’t have prior experience. Getting your fence repaired by a pro also means top-notch workmanship that will stand the test of time – and, we all want our repairs to last right? Fencing is one of those areas that is subject to lots of regulations such as height restrictions and boundary setbacks. Your tradie will have knowledge about all of this, and can ensure that the repairs are done within the rules.

Getting quotes from fence repair professionals

Finding the right fencing contractor doesn't have to be stressful when you know what to look for and ask the right questions.

• Get more than 1 quote: Get multiple quotes to understand the scope and cost of your repairs – we recommend at least 3
• Licensing and insurance: Your fencing contractor should also be licensed, and they should be more than happy to provide their qualifications to you along with any information about their insurance
• Gauge their knowledge: A good fencing contractor will also tell you what repair methods they plan to use on your fence, and have a clear idea on timelines
• Look at reviews: Look at previous work and customer feedback. Photos of completed jobs and recommendations from previous customers give you valuable insight into the quality and professionalism you can expect

Now that you know what you need to do when hiring a fencing contractor, the easiest way to hire one is through hipages. Post your job details, and we’ll connect you with up to three qualified tradies in your area. You can compare quotes, read reviews, and choose the professional who's right for your specific needs and budget.

Don't let a damaged fence compromise your property's security, privacy, or appearance. Whether you need a quick repair or comprehensive restoration, the right tradie can have your fence looking and functioning like new.